Outline how neurons generate a resting potential

Neurons use a sodium potassium pump to maintain a resting potential in the body. Inside a cell normally, there are more sodium in the cell and fewer potassium outside the cell, and hence there is a negative potential within a cell, which amounts to around -70mV. In order to generate a resting potential, ATP is required to change the conformation of an inter-membrane protein, which allows 3 Sodium 2+ ions to be pumped out of the cell by active transport and 2 Potassium 1+ ions to be allowed into the cell by diffusion.

Answered by Biology tutor

7238 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Compare how pyruvate is used in human cells when oxygen is available and when oxygen is not available.


Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells


Design of experiments to test hypothesis about factors affecting germination.


Explain the mechanism of synaptic transmission.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences